It looks like a bad day here as, although the ITF has not updated the drawsheet, local newspapers have upset losses for both Evan and Alex. At least Jonny won comfortably to set up a rematch with the Aussie who beat him last week.

R2

(11) Jonny O'Mara (GBR) d. Adrian Bodmer (SUI) 6-0 6-4
Akira Santillan (AUS) d. (12) Evan Hoyt (GBR) 6-2 7-6(0)
(8) Young Seok Kim (AUS) d. (Q) Jamie Malik (GBR) 6-2 4-6 6-4
(4) Luke Bambridge (GBR) d. (Q) Kuan-Yi Lee (TPE) w/o
(Q) Alexander Klintcharov (NZL) d. (16) Alexander Sendegeya (GBR) 6-2 6-2

R3

(11) Jonny O'Mara (GBR) v (5) Harry Bourchier (AUS)
(13) Takashi Saito (JPN) v (4) Luke Bambridge (GBR)

Although Kim is top 50 his record doesn't look special for this level, so Luke should be looking to make his first semi of the Tour, where he is likely to meet second seed Omar Jasika, the leading '97 in the rankings who won in Thailand

luke made it in three sets, 2nd seed awaits tomorow

korriban wrote:

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QF: (4) Luke Bambridge (GBR) beat (8) Young Seok Kim (KOR) 6-2 4-6 6-3

SF: (4) Luke Bambridge (GBR) vs (2) Omar Jasika (AUS)

Well done Luke. Still not convincing though, and I'd be pleasantly surprised if he wins his next one.

Meanwhile on the other side of the draw last week's tournament winner Borna Coric from Croatia won his QF 6-0 6-0, following up 0&2 and 2&1 wins in previous rounds. This kid lost to GB's Josh Sapwell in the U14 Orange Bowl final in late 2010 - physically smaller than Josh back then - he was the aggressor throughout, with Josh on the back foot from point 1, but his smaller frame and the inconsistency of youth pulled that match Josh's way.

Josh is now ranked 200-300 juniors I believe and hasn't shown much since.......

I often wonder if some of our kids win so regularly when young playing a gamestyle which simply can't work as opponents get bigger, better and stronger, yet find it almost impossible to change. Not saying that's the case here, but it IS important to play the long game on development, not simply win playing the wrong way

-- Edited by korriban on Friday 22nd of March 2013 04:21:30 PM

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 Yes, it looks as if Luke will have to step up a gear or two to reach the final, but at least he has battled his way through 3 setters this week, meaning all the top 4 seeds are in the semis.

One of the reports on Coric's match with Bourchier singled out "his pinpoint placement shots and power serves ", so it looks as if he has beefed up since the 2010 Orange Bowl.  Josh has been injured or ill every winter since then, which has clearly impeded his development - his latest diary is at http://www.tennisworks.net/content/Read%20Only/latest-joshs-tennis-diary.

Certainly there have been a number of Brits, mainly girls, whose games served well at under 14 level, but were obviously not suitable for Tour level and increasingly struggled.

Watched it via youtube a couple of years ago. All the matches are available from start to finish, each set seaparate. cant remember the channel, but ita all freely available

I've been following the progress of Luke since he was a young boy (10 years old). I believe that back then he had his critics who said he would not be around at 12 and that this has gone on since then.  Why is he still around? Well looking at his development he is talented, but he is also dedicated, alwys gives 100% and is disciplined (unlike his opponent from Australia today who was pulled out by his coach for bad behaviour).  Luke cannot influence what happened today and everyone deserves a break. The anoraks who sit at a computer and look at results need to get out there and watch youngsters like Luke who every day are desperately trying to improve their game in order to do something with their life.

Good luck in the final tomorrow Luke!  One thing I know you'll give it your best shot.